The Toyota Corolla, a nameplate synonymous with reliability and value, marked its 50th anniversary in 2017 with a refreshed model year that brought updated styling, a more refined interior, and significant advancements in safety technology. Having sold over 43 million units globally, securing its place as the best-selling car of all time, the 2017 Toyota Corolla continued to build upon its legacy of providing dependable and economical transportation. This model year underscored Toyota’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, offering a blend of modern features and the Corolla’s renowned dependability.
Refreshed Design and Interior Comfort
For 2017, the Toyota Corolla received a visual update, projecting a sportier and more contemporary image. The front fascia was redesigned with a new grille and striking LED headlamps. The L, LE, and LE Eco trims were equipped with Bi-LED headlamps, while the SE, XSE, and XLE grades boasted complex-LED headlamps, enhancing both visibility and aesthetic appeal. The addition of a standard backup camera across all grades, starting from the base L model, improved safety and convenience for all drivers. Wheel designs were also updated, with the LE and XLE trims featuring redesigned 16-inch wheels, and the SE and XSE models upgrading to standard 17-inch alloy wheels, contributing to a more dynamic stance.
Alt Text: 2017 Toyota Corolla interior showcasing the 7-inch touchscreen display and redesigned climate controls.
Inside the 2017 Corolla, Toyota focused on enhancing the cabin’s ambiance and functionality. New fabric options provided a touch of elegance in the LE trim with color schemes like Almond, Ash/Dark Gray, or Black/Brown. For a sportier feel, the SE trim offered Softex-trimmed sport seats with vibrant Vivid Blue, Orange Zest, and Black premium fabric inserts. The redesigned climate control panel and circular air vents added a more upscale and user-friendly element to the interior. Recognizing the importance of in-car entertainment, the 2017 Toyota Corolla came standard with Bluetooth and Entune™ Audio, ensuring connectivity for modern drivers. Higher trims offered further audio enhancements, including Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation (Scout® GPS Link App) and Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, both featuring a larger 7-inch touch screen for improved usability.
Toyota Safety Sense-P: A Leap Forward in Safety
Perhaps the most significant upgrade for the 2017 Toyota Corolla was the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) across all models. This advanced safety suite is a testament to Toyota’s proactive approach to vehicle safety, bundling together several key technologies:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by providing alerts and automatic braking if a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and can provide gentle steering corrections to help maintain lane position.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe gap.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of oncoming vehicles, optimizing visibility for the driver and reducing glare for others.
Alt Text: Infographic displaying the features of Toyota Safety Sense-P available in the 2017 Toyota Corolla.
By making TSS-P standard, Toyota positioned the 2017 Corolla as a leader in its class for safety features. This commitment was part of Toyota’s broader initiative to make Toyota Safety Sense standard on nearly all its models by the end of 2017, significantly ahead of industry targets.
The Enduring Legacy of “The World’s Car”
The Toyota Corolla’s journey began in 1966, reaching the U.S. market in 1968. From its early days as a popular import, the Corolla has continuously evolved, growing in size, power, efficiency, and safety technology. Its global success is undeniable, with approximately 1.5 million units sold annually and assembly taking place in 16 plants worldwide, including facilities in the U.S. and Canada. This widespread popularity and global manufacturing footprint have solidified the Corolla’s reputation as “The World’s Car,” appealing to diverse customer needs across over 150 countries.
50th Anniversary Special Edition: A Nod to Heritage
To commemorate its golden anniversary, Toyota introduced the 2017 Corolla SE 50th Anniversary Special Edition. This limited-edition model built upon the sporty SE trim, adding exclusive aesthetic touches to celebrate the Corolla’s heritage. Available in an exclusive Black Cherry Pearl exterior color, as well as Classic Silver and Blizzard Pearl, the 50th Anniversary Edition was limited to just 8,000 vehicles.
Alt Text: Close-up of the 50th Anniversary Edition badge on the rear of the 2017 Toyota Corolla, highlighting the special edition model.
The interior of the 50th Anniversary Edition received special treatment with black mixed media seats featuring Black Cherry piping and contrast stitching. The Black Cherry theme extended to the steering wheel, shift boot, dash panel, and door trim. Unique “50th Anniversary Edition” floor mats and rear badging further distinguished this special model. Standard features included a 7-inch touch-screen with Entune Audio Plus and Connected Navigation, a 4.2-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display, Smart Key system with push-button start, and a power tilt/slide moonroof, adding premium touches to this celebratory edition.
Uncompromising Value and Efficiency
The 2017 Toyota Corolla continued to uphold its reputation for exceptional value. Offering generous rear seat legroom, surpassing many competitors, the Corolla provided passenger comfort without compromise. The base Corolla L trim was well-equipped, featuring standard TSS-P, continuously variable transmission (CVTi-S), air conditioning, backup camera, Bluetooth, and Entune™ Audio, amongst other features. The popular LE trim added further comfort and convenience with upgraded interior trim, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and heated power outside mirrors.
For drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the 2017 Corolla LE Eco CVT was projected to be the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup, targeting 40 MPG on the highway. This model utilized a specially tuned 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with Valvematic technology for enhanced efficiency and performance. Aerodynamic enhancements, such as underbody covers and a rear spoiler, further contributed to its fuel-saving capabilities. The LE Eco model demonstrated that fuel efficiency did not necessitate sacrificing performance or comfort.
Refined Driving Experience and Peace of Mind
The 2017 Toyota Corolla offered a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its rigid unibody construction and well-tuned suspension. Extensive noise insulation measures, including an acoustic glass windshield and sound-absorbing materials, contributed to a quiet cabin environment. The electric power-assist steering system provided a direct and responsive feel, enhancing the driving experience.
Alt Text: Side view of the 2017 Toyota Corolla showcasing its redesigned alloy wheels and sporty profile.
Beyond safety and comfort, the 2017 Corolla provided peace of mind through Toyota’s Star Safety System™, encompassing Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist. Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with ToyotaCare complimentary maintenance, further reinforced the Corolla’s value proposition.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Corolla successfully celebrated 50 years of automotive excellence by delivering a refreshed, safer, and more refined version of its iconic sedan. With its enhanced styling, upgraded interior, standard Toyota Safety Sense-P, and continued focus on value and fuel efficiency, the 2017 Toyota Corolla remained a compelling choice for drivers seeking a reliable, economical, and well-rounded compact car. Its enduring legacy as “The World’s Car” was further solidified by this model year, reaffirming its position as a leader in the automotive landscape.
